Roddick recovers to see off Llodra

Andy Roddick overcame an impressive start from Frenchman
Michael Llodra to canter into the third round at Wimbledon.

Roddick recovered from losing the first set in convincing fashion to triumph 4-6 6-4 6-1 7-6 (7/2) on Centre Court, the setting for last year’s epic final defeat to Roger Federer .

Andy Roddick

The American fifth seed, a three-time finalist at the All England Club, was happy to advance to the net in a match that produced some entertaining exchanges.

World number 37 Llodra did brilliantly to defend a smash by Roddick in the fifth game of the opening set and won the rally against the odds when his pinpoint forehand was returned into the net. A passing shot secured three break points and Llodra pounced on the first with a sliced backhand outwitting Roddick.

Frustratingly for Roddick, there appeared little way to contain Llodra’s serve and volley game, with the Frenchman often profiting from his work at the net.

Roddick was immediately in trouble when the second set got under way, conceding two break points but the danger was averted when Llodra blinked first during one exchange at the net before falling to a tremendous lob that ended a dazzling rally.

The rest of the set went with serve until the 10th game when Llodra, who had been so composed until that point, suddenly fell to pieces. The 30-year-old hit the net three times on the way to being broken.

Llodra, a successful doubles player, was more accomplished at the net and it was his volleying that helped set up break point in the third game of the third set.

Roddick’s serve dug him out of trouble and in the fourth the American seized his chance to break as an increasingly frustrated Llodra made a string of unforced errors.

The American’s athleticism saw him easily win Llodra’s next service game before romping home in the third set. Some eye-catching rallies enlivened a fourth set that was decided by a one-sided tie-break, Roddick’s greater accuracy carrying him home.